WWE John Cena Classic Format Reportedly Not Decided Yet: ‘Work In Progress’

WWE

A backstage update has emerged on uncertainty surrounding the John Cena Classic, which was announced at the May 9 Backlash event.

John Cena announced the John Cena Classic during Saturday’s PLE, stating that the event will feature main roster vs NXT matches.

Cena also announced the introduction of a new championship at the event, stating:

“You, the audience, the fan, will vote to crown the champion of the John Cena Classic. Every participant qualifies, which also means for the first time in history, a superstar might not win their match, but their hustle could earn your respect, win your heart, win your vote, and you can still crown them the John Cena Classic Champion.”

Fans were left with a lot of questions after the event, with WWE yet to confirm the date, location or even the format for the John Cena Classic.

There has been a lot of speculation about the format in particular, with some fans under the impression it will be a tournament with wrestlers advancing based on popular vote rather than match result, given the “Classic” name.

Other fans have predicted that the card will just feature several individual main roster vs NXT bouts, with every star competing eligible for the gold.

Dave Meltzer has now reported in a Wrestling Observer Daily Update that the John Cena Classic has been described to him as a “work in progress”.

Per Meltzer, WWE hasn’t decided what the format of the event will be, and that the company had wanted to make an announcement, hence the reveal at Backlash.

The report added that because of this, any talk about tournament vs individual matches, or how champions will be crowned, is just speculation at this point.

John Cena’s announcement was met with a lot of skepticism, with some fans concerned about the validity and accessibility of the public vote.

With some predicting that the vote will be behind the Club WWE paywall as an attempt to prevent trolls from mass-voting for the “worst” option rather than the most-deserving championship contender, it could be argued that this would defeat the purpose of having fans vote, if only a specific group’s voice is listened to.

John Cena has now opened up about plans for the John Cena Classic, admitting that there is a chance it’s a complete failure, but stating that this idea reflects his personal values. 

Amid speculation and uncertainty, Bayley has reacted to a pitch for her to face NXT Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley at the event.

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• wwe
• John Cena
• John Cena Classic

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